When we gather for Mass, one of the main things we are asked to do is listen to God's living word.
In proclaiming the word of God from Sacred Scripture, readers excercise their responsibility in mediating the presence of Christ. God speaks to the assembly through them, and the impact of God's message will depend significantly on their conviction, their preparation and their delivery.
The richness in the quantity and in the variety of readings in the Lectionary challenges those who are called to proclaim the Scriptures at Mass. Each of the individual sacred authors reflected on the meaning of God's action in history from their own perspective. They employed various literary forms to convey the message of salvation, ranging, for example, from narratives and the poetry of the psalms to prophetic oracles and parables, from theological expositions to apocalyptic visions.
Celebrating the Mass 41:42
It is important for the Reader to read clearly and at a reasonable pace so that the assembly can hear every word. It might seem slow to the Reader but be just right for the assembly. It also depends on the sound and hearing loop systems we have in both our parishes.
After each reading, it is important to have a little pause so that the assembly can listen with their heart, absorbing what God is saying to them, and not just their ears. As Readers grow in confidence and experience they become more expert at helping people to listen.
The Reader(s) proclaims the First and Second Readings and the Prayers of the Faithful. If the Psalm is not sung, the Reader will also proclaim the Psalm between the readings. The Gospel is proclaimed by the Deacon or Priest.
We have readers of various ages. Children lead us on the second Sunday of the month in both parishes. Our more confident youngsters (post Confirmation) are encoouraged to join the adult rota for the other Sundays and Masses.
Contact Shirley McClean at Sacred Heart peterandshirley@btinternet.com
or Enid Brown at St Pius Xth